Disrespect Hindu sentiments is increasingly being cited by temple activists as a defining feature of DMK politics, particularly in relation to alleged corruption and decision-making within the state government–controlled Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE). In the latest instance, temple activist TR Ramesh has accused the HR&CE Department of misappropriating 312 sovereigns of gold, approximately 2.49 kilograms, donated by devotees for the casting of new murtis at the Ekambareswarar Temple.
The issue dates back to 2015, when the thousand-year-old Somaskandar murti at the temple was found to be damaged. Following this, the HR&CE Department decided to commission new murtis. Under the supervision of sthapathi Muthaiya, new Somaskandar and Elavarkuzhali Amman murtis were cast at Swamimalai, a well-known hub for bronze and five-metal (panchaloha) murti making.
Taking to social media platform X, Ramesh stated that the original plan was to “include” 8.7 kilograms of gold in the making of the murtis.
He alleged that no receipts were issued for the gold donations received from devotees. He further said a police complaint was filed in 2017, following which the case was transferred to the Idol Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police, and later sent back to Kanchipuram Police following a court order.
According to him, former HR&CE Commissioner Veerashanmugamani and the current Additional Commissioner of HR & CE, Kavitha, were added as accused in the revised FIR, a copy of which has now been given to the petitioner. Ramesh described the case as “only a sample of the loot of gold and other valuables by those working for HR & CE.”
This is @tnhrcedept – A Department that delights in looting temples
The LOOT of 312 sovereigns of GOLD – i.e. 2.49 Kilos of gold – received from various devotees as donations for casting new Murtis in Sri Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram. The original plan was to… pic.twitter.com/utKBcrmWxE
— trramesh (@trramesh) January 7, 2026
Ramesh further said that the long-pending idol irregularity case involving the historic Ekambareswarar Temple has regained momentum, with a charge sheet now filed and trial proceedings underway before the Kanchipuram Criminal Court. The case pertains to the alleged misappropriation of 312 sovereigns of gold collected from devotees for casting a new Somaskandar murti.
According to a report in Tamil daily Dinamalar, as per well-settled agamic and administrative norms, five per cent gold was required to be added to the alloy used for casting the murtis. Devotees were informed of this requirement, and 312 sovereigns of gold were reportedly collected as donations.
However, concerns soon arose as devotees alleged that no proper receipts were issued for the gold contributions. It was also alleged that the murti-making process was carried out without mandatory documentation, including video and photographic records, raising serious concerns over transparency and compliance.
Police registered a case in 2017 based on a complaint filed by Sivakanchi resident Annamalai. The investigation was later transferred to the Idol Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police. Experts from IIT Madras conducted metallurgical examinations on the newly cast murtis. The results reportedly revealed no trace of gold in the idols. Based on these findings, police stated in the FIR that the entire 312 sovereigns of gold collected from devotees had been misappropriated.
Initially, cases were registered against sthapathi Muthaiya, Padma Shri awardee and well-known sculptor, architect, and temple builder; sthapathi Masilamani; temple executive officer Murugesan; and archaka Rajappa.
Subsequently, former HR&CE Commissioner Veerashanmugamani and Additional Commissioner Kavitha were also named as accused in the revised charge sheet. In total, nine individuals have been arrayed as accused in connection with the alleged irregularities.
After a prolonged delay, the investigation was revived in 2023 following directions from the Madras High Court. Acting on these directions, Sivakanchi Police completed the probe and filed a charge sheet before the Kanchipuram Magistrate Court.
A fresh FIR has also been registered, invoking serious charges including forgery under Section 468 of the Indian Penal Code, use of forged documents under Section 471, and theft of temple property under Section 380(2), along with Section 34, which relates to acts committed by several persons in furtherance of common intention.
Reports further claimed that the murtis, which were earlier kept at Kumbakonam during the investigation, have since been brought back to Kanchipuram and placed in the Ekambareswarar Temple’s security vault. It is learnt that Dinesh, one of the donors who gifted gold for making the murtis, filed an RTI application. The murtis were made by sthapathi Masilamani, and no video recording was done during the casting process. No receipts were issued while accepting donations from devotees, raising questions over the basis on which authorities received the entire 312 sovereigns of gold.
All accused have denied the allegations, claiming that the charges are false and motivated. The matter has been posted for further hearing on February 6, 2026.
